Imphal. Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Monday urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to visit the northeastern state of Manipur to console those affected by ethnic violence. Describing the tragedy in Manipur as “horrific”, Gandhi also said that the Congress will make every effort to restore peace in Manipur.
More than 200 people have lost their lives in Manipur so far in the ethnic violence that broke out between the Meitei and Kuki communities in May last year.
The Rae Bareli MP said at a press conference here, “The Prime Minister should have visited Manipur long ago. It is very important for him to come to Manipur. I request him to come to Manipur and try to understand what is happening here. Not only the people of Manipur, but possibly? the people of the whole country want the Prime Minister to visit the state and listen to the suffering of the people, this will give them relief.” Earlier in the day, former Congress president Rahul Gandhi visited relief camps at several places. People displaced due to ethnic violence in the northeastern state since May last year have been living in these relief camps.
Rahul Gandhi said, “I have come here for the third time since the problem started. It has been a huge tragedy. I was hoping that the situation would improve somewhat. But, I was very disappointed to see that the situation is still not as it should be.” Gandhi visited the state a few weeks after ethnic violence broke out in Manipur on May 3 last year. He also started his ‘Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra’ from the state in January 2024. This is his first visit to Manipur after being nominated as the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha and the Congress winning both the Lok Sabha seats in the state. He said that he has come to visit the state to listen to the suffering of the people affected by the violence and to instill confidence in them.
The Leader of Opposition said, “We will make every effort to bring peace in Manipur… Being in the opposition, I am trying to put pressure on the government.” He said, “I want to tell all the people of Manipur that I have come here as your brother, I want to help you and work with you to bring back peace in Manipur. I am ready to do whatever I can. Congress is ready to do whatever it can to restore peace here.” Gandhi said that whatever is happening in Manipur, he has not seen it anywhere in India. He stressed that there will be no solution through violence and hatred, while a solution can be found through respect and dialogue.
The Congress leader said, “The state is completely divided into two parts and it is sad for everyone. The whole state is suffering. If we start thinking about peace and affection, it will be a huge step for Manipur.” The Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha said that whenever the people of Manipur want, he and his party will always be available. Rahul Gandhi also met Governor Anusuiya Uikey before holding the press conference.
He said in the press conference, “The Government of India and every person who considers himself a patriot should embrace the people of Manipur.” He said, “We told the Governor that we would like to help in every possible way. We also expressed our displeasure. We are not happy with the progress made here. I do not want to politicize this issue, this is not my intention.” The Congress leader did not answer the questions of the reporters and said that he has made his message clear.
Rahul Gandhi met the Governor of Manipur
Imphal. Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi met Manipur Governor Anusuiya Uikey on Monday during his visit to Manipur. After visiting relief camps at several places in the state and interacting with victims of ethnic violence living there, the Congress leader met Uikey at the Raj Bhavan in the evening.
Details of the nearly 45-minute-long meeting were not immediately available. This is Rahul Gandhi’s third visit to the state since ethnic violence broke out in May last year. Earlier in the day, former Congress president Rahul Gandhi visited relief camps at several places. People displaced due to ethnic violence in the northeastern state since May last year are living in these relief camps. More than 200 people have lost their lives in ethnic violence in Manipur.
Rahul Gandhi visits relief camps in Manipur, interacts with victims of ethnic violence
Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Monday visited relief camps in Jiribam and Churachandpur districts of Manipur and interacted with the people living there. Ethnic violence broke out in the state in May last year between the Meitei and Kuki communities. More than 200 people have died in this.
Gandhi, who arrived with senior Congress leaders, talked to the people living in relief camps and listened to their problems. This is the first time Rahul Gandhi has come here after the Congress won both the Lok Sabha seats in the state. The Congress said in a post on the social media platform ‘X’, “His (Rahul Gandhi’s) third visit to Manipur after the violence reflects his unwavering commitment to the issues of the people.” Gandhi visited Manipur for the first time a few weeks after ethnic violence broke out in Manipur on May 3 last year. He also started his ‘Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra’ from the state in January 2024. The former Congress president first visited the relief camp set up at Jiribam Higher Secondary School.
State Congress president K. Meghachandra told reporters that the people of Jiribam told Gandhi about their experiences. Meghachandra said, “He also asked what they needed. A girl told Rahul Gandhi that neither the Prime Minister nor the Chief Minister had come to meet them. She also urged Gandhi to raise this issue in Parliament.” The state Congress president said that thousands of people came to welcome Gandhi in Jiribam and many of them cried while talking to him. From Jiribam, Gandhi reached Imphal airport via Silchar in Assam and reached a relief camp in Tuibong village of Churachandpur district by road. Gandhi also interacted with the people there.
Meghchandra said, “The purpose of Rahul Gandhi’s visit is to provide assistance to the people and assess the situation at the ground level. His visit reflects the party’s commitment to address the concerns of those affected by the violence.” Before returning, Rahul Gandhi is also scheduled to meet Governor Anusuiya Uikey in Imphal.